MRSC Services
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that helps local governments across Washington State better serve their communities by providing legal and policy guidance on any topic. We serve all cities, counties, and state agencies, as well as hundreds of special purpose districts through contract partnerships.
Below is a summary of the services we provide to local government staff and officials:
Have a Question? Ask MRSC!
Officials and employees from eligible government agencies in Washington State can use our free one-on-one consultation service. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts!
E-Newsletters
MRSC staff regularly write about a wide variety of local government topics, including new legislation and court decisions, emerging issues, policy guidance, and management tips. To stay up-to-date with the latest news and MRSC analysis, sign up for our e-newsletters.
Topic Pages
Explore topics on the MRSC website to get legal and policy guidance on hundreds of local government issues, including helpful explanations, relevant statutes and court decisions, examples of different policy approaches, and recommended resources for further information.
Research Tools
Our extensive research tools provide a wealth of information for local governments, including:
- Sample Document Library: Search through thousands of local government documents selected and curated by MRSC staff, including policies, ordinances, RFPs, and more.
- City and County Websites Search: Search multiple city/county codes or websites at once
- City and Town Profiles: Get information on city populations, classification, form of government, officials, and more
- County Profiles: Get information on county populations and links to lists of officials and important documents
- Other tools related to local ballot measures, statutory competitive bidding requirements, utility liens and shutoffs, and more!
Webinars and Workshops
MRSC provides webinars and workshops on issues of interest to local governments, such as ethics, open government, procurement, budgeting, and more. Our staff members are also frequent speakers at local government conferences and events.
Detailed Publications
Our downloadable publications provide an in-depth look at key local government issues such as public records, open public meetings, budgeting, procurement, the roles and legal responsibilities of elected officials, and more.
MRSC Rosters
MRSC Rosters is the only statewide directory that connects public agencies with businesses for small public works projects, consulting opportunities, and goods and services. Starting July 1, 2024, MRSC Rosters will become the official state-designated roster for small public works projects, and public agency fees will be waived for public works rosters. (Fees will continue to be charged for consultant and vendor rosters.)
Also see MRSC’s Small Works Roster Manual for more information about contracting for small public works projects.
MRSC Electronic Bidding
MRSC Electronic Bidding, offered in partnership with Bonfire, allows public agencies to move their bidding processes online – including informal or roster-based procurements as well as formal sealed bids. This allows agencies to reduce their administrative effort, increase bidder participation and satisfaction, and access valuable reporting capabilities.
While the e-bidding program is administered by MRSC Rosters, it is a separate subscription and agencies can sign up for the e-bidding service even if they do not currently use MRSC Rosters.
Webinar Overview of MRSC's Services
This recorded webinar provides a comprehensive overview of MRSC's tools, resources, and information, along with tips on how to use MRSC’s website more effectively.